Filed: Monday, 21st May 2018By: Staff Writer

Manuel Lanzini has been included in Argentina's World Cup squad - although there was no place for one of Serie A's best stikers...

West Ham United's Lanzini will no doubt have been delighted to learn that he has been included in Jorge Sampaoli's tournament squad, even though Inter's in-form striker Mauro Icardi - with 29 goals to his name this season - has been sensationally axed.

"We’ve decided on these names after a lot of analysis in every position," said Sampaoli. "I spoke with [Lionel] Messi and I saw him as very enthusiastic for what’s coming up."

Lanzini reacted to his inclusion by thanking his family for their support over the years. "I'm happy and happy for my family that accompanied me in the good times and the bad," he said. "They always supported me. Now to concentrate on what is coming."

Argentian kick off their World Cup campaign against Iceland in Moscow's Otkritie Arena on 16 June. They face Croatia in their penultimate Group D encounter before tackling Nigeria in their final group fixture.

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